Nature meets music as street pianos fly into Bristol

The sound of music will fill the air of Bristol next month as the world-famous Play Me, I’m Yours piano project hits the streets.

Details of the piano being sponsored by the University of Bristol are today [28 July] unveiled, with artist Carrie Love transforming the instrument into a work of art inspired by nature.

Beautiful wings covered in layers of sycamore seeds will frame the piano, while the stool will be adorned with nests and other natural textures.

Her creation, to be positioned outside Beacon House on the Triangle from 17 August to 7 September, is one of 18 eye-catching pianos which form the art trail.

The public can watch her in action at The Galleries Shopping Centre in Broadmead tomorrow [29 July] from 11am to 5pm.

Carrie said: "The idea for this piano comes from my fascination with nature's way of reclaiming the earth back into balance. For us human beings this project is an opportunity to celebrate our place in the natural order of the planet with music and song.

"This beautiful old piano will be freely available in the street so take up the invitation if you can and share your voice with the city."

Carrie’s design fits with the University’s commitment to public art as well as its extensive research into the natural world, as embodied by Hollow – the modernist grotto in Royal Fort Garden made from 10,000 tree samples gathered from across the world and which represents the planet's history and evolution through time.

Play Me, I’m Yours is the brainchild of renowned artist Luke Jerram, whose Park Street water slide, fleet of abandoned boats in Leigh Woods and giant replica of the moon have become massive draws for visitors to the city.

The Bristol art trail marks the 10th year of the project which has seen over 1,700 pianos in over 55 cities across the globe, from Hong Kong to New York, reaching over 10 million people and bearing the simple instruction 'Play Me, I'm Yours'.

The smash-hit project has spawned marriage proposals, inspired musical compositions, helped discover new stars and been played by celebrities including Jamie Cullum, Jools Holland, Alicia Keys and Cindy Lauper.

Carrie Love’s piano, sponsored by the University of Bristol, will be outside Beacon House from 17 August to 9 September. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.